Safety mechanism for angle sensors using segmentation

ABSTRACT

In some implementations, an angle sensor may receive a first x-component value and a first y-component value from a first set sensing elements and a second x-component value and a second y-component value from a second set of angle sensing elements. The angle sensor may perform a safety check including determining a first range of angles associated with a target object based on a relationship between a magnitude of the first x-component value and a magnitude of the first y-component value; determining a second range of angles associated with the target object based on a relationship between a magnitude of the second x-component value and a magnitude of the second y-component value; and determining whether the second range of angles is a subset of the first range of angles. The angle sensor may output an indication of a result of the safety check.

BACKGROUND

An angle sensor may include a set of sensing components that sense astrength of different components (e.g., an x-component and ay-component) of a magnetic field produced or distorted by a targetobject. The angle sensor may determine an angular position of the targetobject based on the strength of the components of the magnetic field andmay provide an output that indicates the angular position as determinedby the angle sensor.

SUMMARY

In some implementations, a method includes receiving, by a system, afirst x-component value and a first y-component value from a first setsensing elements; receiving, by the system, a second x-component valueand a second y-component value from a second set of angle sensingelements; performing, by the system, a safety check including:determining a first range of angles associated with a target objectbased on a relationship between a magnitude of the first x-componentvalue and a magnitude of the first y-component value; determining asecond range of angles associated with the target object based on arelationship between a magnitude of the second x-component value and amagnitude of the second y-component value; and determining whether thesecond range of angles is a subset of the first range of angles; andoutputting, by the system, an indication of a result of performing thesafety check based on whether the second range of angles is a subset ofthe first range of angles.

In some implementations, an angle sensor includes a first anglemeasurement path to determine a first x-component value and a firsty-component value based on sensor values from a first set sensingelements; a second angle measurement path to determine a secondx-component value and a second y-component value based on sensor valuesfrom a second set of angle sensing elements; a safety path to perform asafety check, the safety path being configured to: determine a firstrange of angles associated with a target object based on a relationshipbetween the first x-component value and the first y-component value;determine a second range of angles associated with the target objectbased on a relationship between the second x-component value and thesecond y-component value; and determine whether the second range ofangles is a subset of the first range of angles; and an output componentto provide an indication of a result of performing the safety checkbased on whether the second range of angles is a subset of the firstrange of angles.

In some implementations, a sensor system comprising: a first set ofangle sensing elements configured to determine a first x-component valueand a first y-component value; a second set of angle sensing elementsconfigured to determine a second x-component value and a secondy-component value from a second set of angle sensing elements; a safetycheck component configured to: determine a first range of anglesassociated with a target object based on a relationship between amagnitude of the first x-component value and a magnitude of the firsty-component value; determine a second range of angles associated withthe target object based on a relationship between a magnitude of thesecond x-component value and a magnitude of the second y-componentvalue; and determine whether the second range of angles is a subset ofthe first range of angles; and an output component to provide anindication of a result of a safety check based on whether the secondrange of angles is a subset of the first range of angles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams associated with example operations of asystem comprising a safety mechanism for an angle sensor usingsegmentation, as described herein.

FIGS. 2A-2D are diagrams of example implementations of the systemcomprising the safety mechanism for an angle sensor, as describedherein.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating example hardware elements of an anglesensor described herein.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example processes relating to a safetymechanism for an angle sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of example implementations refers tothe accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in differentdrawings may identify the same or similar elements.

An angle sensor may be designed to determine an angular position of atarget object (e.g., a rotatable object) in a given application. Forexample, an angle sensor may be used in an electronic power steering(EPS) application to determine an angular position of a steering column.In some applications, it may be necessary to ensure functional safety ofthe angle sensor.

In general, functional safety can be defined as an absence ofunreasonable risk (e.g., to a system, to an environment, to people,and/or the like) due to hazards caused by malfunctioning behavior (e.g.,a systematic failure, a random failure, or the like) of the anglesensor. In the automotive context, an Automotive Safety Integrity Level(ASIL) scheme is used to dictate functional safety requirements for anangle sensor. The ASIL scheme is a risk classification scheme defined bythe International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26262 standard(titled Functional Safety for Road Vehicles), which provides a standardfor functional safety of electrical and/or electronic systems inproduction automobiles. An ASIL classification defines safetyrequirements necessary to be in line with the ISO 26262 standard. AnASIL is established by performing a risk analysis of a potential hazardby looking at severity, exposure, and controllability of a vehicleoperating scenario. A safety goal for that hazard in turn guides theASIL requirements. There are four ASILs identified by the standard: ASILA, ASIL B, ASIL C, ASIL D. ASIL D dictates the highest integrityrequirements, while ASIL A dictates the lowest. A hazard with a riskthat is low (and, therefore, does not require safety measures inaccordance with ISO 26262) is identified as quality management (QM). Insome cases, it is desirable or required that an angle sensor achieves ahigh ASIL. For example, it may be desirable or required that an anglesensor used in a given application achieves ASIL B, ASIL C, or ASIL D.To ensure functional safety in an angle sensor, a safety mechanism thatallows malfunctioning behavior to be identified and signaled should beimplemented.

Some implementations described herein provide a safety mechanism for anangle sensor. In some implementations, the angle sensor includes a firstangle measurement path to determine an angular position based on sensorvalues from a first set of angle sensing elements, and a second anglemeasurement path to determine the angular position based on sensorvalues from a second set of angle sensing elements. The first and secondsets of angle sensing elements may be different types of sensingelements. For example, the first set of angle sensing elements may be aset of magnetoresistive (MR) sensing elements (e.g., a set ofanisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) elements, giant magnetoresistance(GMR) elements, tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) elements, or the like)and the second set of angle sensing elements may be a set of Hall-basedsensing elements (e.g., a set of angle sensing elements that operatebased on the Hall effect).

In some implementations, the measurement range provided by the first setof angle sensing elements may be different from the measurement rangeprovided by the second set of angle sensing elements. The measurementrange provided by the first set of angle sensing elements may be 360degrees (°). For example, the set of angle sensing elements 202 mayinclude a set of GMR sensing elements, a set of TMR sensing elements, aset of Hall-based sensing elements, or the like. The measurement rangeprovided by the set of angle sensing elements 204 may be 180°. Forexample, the set of angle sensing elements 204 may include a set of AMRsensing elements.

Each of the first and second sets of angle sensing elements may includeone or more components configured to obtain respective sets of sensorvalues for determining an angular position of a target object. A set ofsensor values may include a value of a signal indicating a y-componentof the angular position (also referred to as a sine value) and a valueof a signal indicating an x-component of the angular position (alsoreferred to a cosine value). The angle sensor includes a safety path toperform a set of safety checks associated with the first anglemeasurement path and/or the second angle measurement path based on thesine values and the cosine values measured by the first and second setsof angle sensing elements. The set of safety checks may include asegment comparison check.

The safety path may segment the measurement range provided by the firstset of angle sensing elements and the measurement range provided by thesecond set of angle sensing elements based on the intersections of therespective x-component signals and the y-component signals. For example,the safety path may segment the 360° measurement range associated withthe first set of angle sensing elements into 45° segments and maysegment the 180° measurement range associated with the second set ofangle sensing elements into 22.5° segments. The safety path may performa safety check based on determining whether a range of angles associatedwith a segment of the 180° measurement range and a range of anglesassociated with a segment of the 360° measurement range. The range ofangles associated with the 180° measurement range may include thex-component and y-component determined by the second set of anglesensing elements. The range of angles associated with a segment of the360° measurement range may include the x-component and y-componentdetermined by the first set of angle sensing elements. The safety pathmay enable a failure (e.g., in the first angle measurement path or inthe second angle measurement path) path to be detected based whether therange of angles associated with a segment of the 180° measurement rangethat includes the x-component and y-component determined by the secondset of angle sensing elements is within a range of angles associatedwith a segment of the 360° measurement range that includes thex-component and y-component determined by the first set of angle sensingelements. By utilizing the segmentation of the measurement ranges, thesafety path may perform the safety check without any compensation oftemperature and magnetic field strength variation, since those effectscan be assumed to affect the x and y channels with a sufficient matchingaccuracy.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams associated with example operations of asystem 100 comprising a safety mechanism for an angle sensor 102, asdescribed herein. As shown in FIG. 1A, the system 100 includes the anglesensor 102 comprising an angle measurement path 104, an anglemeasurement path 106, a safety path 108, and a digital output component110. As further shown, the system 100 includes a controller 112. Thecomponents of the system 100 are described below, followed by adescription of an example operation of the system 100. In someimplementations, the angle measurement path 104, the angle measurementpath 106, and the safety path 108 are integrated on a monolithicsemiconductor device (e.g., a single chip).

An angle measurement path (e.g., the angle measurement path 104, theangle measurement path 106) includes one or more components associatedwith determining an angular position θ (theta) of a target object (notshown) based on a set of sensor values. For example, the set of sensorvalues can include a value of a signal indicating a y-component of theangular position θ (also referred to as a sine value) and a value of asignal indicating an x-component of the angular position θ (alsoreferred to a cosine value). Here, a given angle measurement path maydetermine an angular position θ of the target object based on they-component and the x-component (e.g., by calculating an arctangent ofthe y-component divided by the x-component).

In some implementations, the angle measurement path 104 and the anglemeasurement path 106 utilize the same type of sensing elements. In someimplementations, the angle measurement path 104 and the anglemeasurement path 106 utilize different types of sensing elements,meaning that the angle measurement path 104 and the angle measurementpath 106 are diverse measurement paths. In some implementations, ameasurement range on the angle measurement path 104 is different from ameasurement range on the angle measurement path 106.

The safety path 108 includes one or more components associated withperforming one or more safety checks associated with the angle sensor102. In some implementations, the one or more safety checks include asegment comparison check. Additional details regarding exampleimplementations of segment comparison check are provided below withrespect to FIGS. 2A-2D. In some implementations, the one or more safetychecks include a vector length check associated with the anglemeasurement path 104. In some implementations, the one or more safetychecks include a vector length check associated with the anglemeasurement path 106. In some implementations, the one or more safetychecks include a comparison check associated with the angular position θas determined on the angle measurement path 104 and the angular positionθ as determined on the angle measurement path 106.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 1A, the safety path 108 isconfigured to receive sensor values (e.g., a sine value and a cosinevalue) from the angle measurement path 104, sensor values from the anglemeasurement path 106, information associated with a vector length r_(a)associated with the sensor values from the angle measurement path 104,information associated with a vector length r_(b) associated with thesensor values from the angle measurement path 106, informationassociated with the angular position θ_(a) determined on the anglemeasurement path 104, information associated with the angular positionθ_(b) determined in the angle measurement path 106, and/or one or moreitems of information in association with performing the one or moresafety checks, as described herein. In some implementations, the safetypath 108 is configured to provide a safety indication (e.g., a failureindication, an error indication, a deactivation indication, an OKindication, or the like) to the digital output component 110.

The digital output component 110 includes one or more componentsassociated with generating and transmitting one or more outputs (e.g.,an output carrying sensor data, an output carrying an indication of aresult of the one or more safety checks, or the like). In someimplementations, as shown in FIG. 1A, the digital output component 110may receive one or more signals from the angle measurement path 104, theangle measurement path 106, and the safety path 108, and may generateand transmit the one or more outputs accordingly. In someimplementations, the digital output component 110 transmits the one ormore outputs to the controller 112.

The controller 112 includes one or more components associated withcontrolling one or more electrical systems and/or electrical subsystemsbased on information provided by the sensor 102. The controller 112 mayinclude, for example, a microcontroller (μC) or an electronic controlunit (ECU), among other examples. In some implementations, thecontroller 112 may be capable of calibrating, controlling, adjusting,and/or the like, the one or more electrical systems and/or electricalsubsystems based on information received from the sensor 102. Forexample, in some implementations, the controller 112 may be configuredto determine an angular position θ of the target object and/or one ormore other items of information (e.g., a rotational speed of the targetobject, a rotational direction of the target object, or the like),determine information associated with the one or more safety checks forthe sensor 102, and/or provide such information or perform one or moreoperations in association with controlling the one or more electricalsystems and/or electrical subsystems based on such information. In someimplementations, the controller 112 is connected to the sensor 102 suchthat the controller 112 can receive information (e.g., one or moresignals) from the sensor 102 via one or more transmission interfacesand/or via one or more output terminals.

An example operation of the system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1A. Asshown by reference 150, the angle measurement path 104 determines anangular position θ_(a). In some implementations, the angle measurementpath 104 determines the angular position θ_(a) based on sensor valuesprovided by the set of angle sensing elements on the angle measurementpath 104 (e.g., a set of MR sensing elements, such as a set of AMRsensing elements). In some implementations, the angle measurement path104 provides one or more signals to the safety path 108. The one or moresignals provided by the angle measurement path 104 to the safety path108 may include, for example, one or more signals indicating the sensorvalues from the angle measurement path 104 (e.g., an x-component valuex_(a) and a y-component value y_(a)), a vector length r_(a) computedfrom the sensor values (e.g., when the angle measurement path 104 isconfigured to compute the vector length r_(a))), and/or the angularposition θ_(a). Further, in some implementations, the angle measurementpath 104 provides a signal indicating the angular position θ_(a) to thedigital output component 110.

As shown by reference 152, the angle measurement path 106 determines anangular position θ_(b). In some implementations, the angle measurementpath 106 determines the angular position θ_(b) based on sensor valuesprovided by the set of angle sensing elements on the angle measurementpath 106 (e.g., a set of Hall-based sensing elements or a set of MRsensing elements, such as a set of GMR sensing elements or TMR sensingelements). In some implementations, the angle measurement path 106provides one or more signals to the safety path 108. The one or moresignals provided by the angle measurement path 106 to the safety path108 may include, for example, one or more signals indicating the sensorvalues from the angle measurement path 106 (e.g., an x-component valuex_(b) and a y-component value y_(b)), a vector length r_(b) computedfrom the sensor values (e.g., when the angle measurement path 106 isconfigured to compute the vector length r_(b)), and/or the angularposition θ_(b). Further, in some implementations, the angle measurementpath 106 provides a signal indicating the angular position θ_(b) to thedigital output component 110.

As shown by reference 154, the safety path 108 determines the vectorlength r_(a) associated with the angle measurement path 104 and thevector length r_(b) associated with the angle measurement path 106. Insome implementations, the safety path 108 determines the vector lengthr_(a) by receiving an indication of the vector length r_(a) from theangle measurement path 104, as described above (e.g., when the anglemeasurement path 104 is configured to compute the vector length r_(a)).Alternatively, in some implementations, the safety path 108 determinesthe vector length r_(a) by computing the vector length r_(a) based onthe sensor values received from the angle measurement path 104.Similarly, the safety path 108 determines the vector length r_(b) byreceiving an indication of the vector length r_(b) from the anglemeasurement path 106, as described above (e.g., when the anglemeasurement path 106 is configured to compute the vector length r_(b)).Alternatively, in some implementations, the safety path 108 determinesthe vector length r_(b) by computing the vector length r_(b) based onthe sensor values received from the angle measurement path 106.

In some implementations, a given vector length r (e.g., the vectorlength r_(a), the vector length r_(b)) is determined using the followingequation:r=sqrt(X ² +Y ²)where X is the x-component of the angular position θ, and Y is they-component of the angular position θ. That is, the vector length rcorresponds to a magnitude of the electrical vector, whose elements aregiven by the x-component (cosine) channel and the y-component (sine)channel of a given angle measurement path. Notably, the vector length ris independent of the angular position θ.

As shown by reference number 156, the safety path 108 may performsegment mapping. The safety path 108 may perform segment mapping asdescribed below with respect to FIGS. 2A-2D.

As shown by reference number 158, the safety path 108 performs one ormore safety checks. In some implementations, a safety check performed bythe safety path 108 is based on the segment mapping as described belowwith respect to FIGS. 2A-2D.

In some implementations, a safety check performed by the safety path 108is based on the vector length r_(a), the angular position θ_(a), thevector length r_(b), and/or the angular position θ_(b). In someimplementations, the one or more safety checks include one or morevector length checks. For example, the one or more safety checks mayinclude a vector length check associated with the vector length r_(a)and/or a vector length check associated with the vector length r_(b). Inan ideal scenario, a given vector length r (e.g., the vector lengthr_(a), the vector length r_(b)) remains constant during operation of thesensor 102 (e.g., due to the principle that cos² θ+sin² θ=1). If, forexample, a sensor channel (e.g., the x-component channel or they-component channel) of a given angle measurement path (e.g., the anglemeasurement path 104 or the angle measurement path 106) experiences astuck-at fault, the vector length r will change as function of the angleθ. This change in the vector length r can be detected by the vectorlength check performed by the safety path 108. Therefore, whenperforming the vector length check, the safety path 108 determineswhether the vector length r stays within an allowable vector lengthrange (e.g., a vector length range defined by a minimum vector lengthr_(min) and a maximum vector length r_(max)). FIG. 1B is a diagramillustrating a visualization of a vector length check. In thevisualization shown in FIG. 1B, the vector length check is adetermination of whether the vector length r is within the shaded regiondefined by the minimum vector length r_(min) and the maximum vectorlength r_(max).

Notably, digital signal processing performed by the sensor 102 canprovide compensation for imperfections of components of the sensor 102(e.g., the set of angle sensing elements, one or more analog-to-digitalconverters (ADCs), or the like). For example, a digital signal processor(DSP) of the sensor 102 may receive raw (i.e., uncompensated) sensorvalues as input, perform compensation, and output compensated sensorvalues. Parameters for this compensation can be based on calibrationand/or autocalibration. For example, offsets of the raw sensor valuescan drift with temperature. Here, relevant parameters to compensate suchdrifts can be determined during end-of-line testing (i.e., calibration)and stored in a memory (e.g., a non-volatile memory (NVM)) of the sensor102. These parameters can then be used during operation of the sensor102 for providing compensation, which leads to reduced offsets of thecompensated sensor values over temperature. Notably, a well-compensatedangle measurement path shows negligible variation in amplitude of sensorvalues and, therefore, the vector length r associated with the givenangle measurement path may be independent of temperature. Additionally,for saturated sensing elements (e.g., MR sensing elements), the vectorlength r does not depend significantly on a magnitude of the magneticfield. In some implementations, the minimum vector length r_(min) andthe maximum vector length r_(max) can be determined based on taking suchvariations and margins into consideration. That is, the allowable vectorlength range can be smaller for a well-compensated sensor 102 (e.g., ascompared to an angle sensor with no or poor compensation), therebyimproving functional safety of the sensor 102.

In some implementations, the minimum vector length r_(min) and themaximum vector length r_(max) are stored in the memory of the sensor 102(e.g., after calibration). During operation, the safety path 108compares the computed vector length r to the stored minimum vectorlength r_(min) and maximum vector length r_(max). Here, if the vectorlength r is not within the allowable vector length range (i.e., if thecomputed vector length is less than the minimum vector length r_(min) oris greater than the maximum vector length r_(max)), then the safety path108 may, for example, signal an error to the digital output component110.

In some implementations, the safety path 108 performs a vector lengthcheck associated with the angle measurement path 104. That is, thesafety path 108 may determine whether the vector length r_(a) is withinan allowable vector length range. Additionally, or alternatively, insome implementations, the safety path 108 performs a vector length checkassociated with the angle measurement path 106. That is, the safety path108 may determine whether the vector length r_(b) is within an allowablevector length range (e.g., the same allowable vector length range asused for the check of the vector length r_(a) or a different allowablevector length range than that used for the check of the vector lengthr_(a)).

In some implementations, the one or more safety checks include acomparison check associated with the angular position θ_(a) and theangular position θ_(b). In some implementations, the safety path 108performs the comparison check by determining whether the angularposition θ_(a) (e.g., the angular position determined on the anglemeasurement path 104) matches the angular position θ_(b) (e.g., theangular position determined on the angle measurement path 106). That is,the safety path 108 may perform the comparison check by determiningwhether a difference between the angular position θ_(a) and the angularposition θ_(b) is less than a threshold value (e.g., a tolerance value).In some implementations, information indicating the threshold may bestored on the memory of the sensor 102. During operation, the safetypath 108 compares the computed difference between the angular positionθ_(a) and the angular position θ_(b) to the threshold. Here, if thedifference does not satisfy (e.g., is greater than) the threshold, thenthe safety path 108 may, for example, signal an error to the digitaloutput component 110.

In some implementations, the safety path 108 provides informationindicating a result of the one or more safety checks to the digitaloutput component 110. For example, as indicated above, the safety path108 may provide an indication of an error associated with thex-component check, an error associated with the y-component check, anerror associated with the vector length check associated with the anglemeasurement path 104, an error associated with the vector length checkassociated with the angle measurement path 106, and/or an errorassociated with the comparison check. As another example, the safetypath 108 may provide an indication that a given safety check has passed(e.g., an indication that the angle measurement path 104 and/or theangle measurement path 106 has passed the x-component check, anindication that the angle measurement path 104 and/or the anglemeasurement path 106 has passed the y-component check, an indicationthat the angle measurement path 104 has passed the vector length check,an indication that the angle measurement path 106 has passed the vectorlength check, and/or an indication that the angle measurement paths104/106 have passed the comparison check).

Returning to FIG. 1A, as shown by reference numbers 160 and 162, thedigital output component 110 may provide angle data and an indication ofa result of the one or more safety checks to the controller 112. In someimplementations, the angle data includes an indication of the angularposition θ_(a) and/or an indication of the angular position θ_(b). Insome implementations, the indication of the result of the one or moresafety checks may include an indication of whether a given safety checkhas failed or passed. Alternatively, in some implementations, theindication of the result of the safety check may include an indicationthat a given safety check has failed (i.e., the digital output component110 may provide an indication for the given safety check only when thegiven safety check fails).

As indicated above, FIGS. 1A and 1B are provided as examples. Otherexamples may differ from what is described with regard to FIGS. 1A and1B. Further, the number and arrangement of components shown in FIG. 1Aare provided as an example. In practice, there may be additionalcomponents, fewer components, different components, or differentlyarranged components than those shown in FIG. 1A. Furthermore, two ormore components shown in FIG. 1A may be implemented within a singlecomponent, or a single component shown in FIG. 1A may be implemented asmultiple, distributed components. Additionally, or alternatively, a setof components (e.g., one or more components) shown in FIG. 1A mayperform one or more functions described as being performed by anotherset of components shown in FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A-2D are diagrams of example implementations of the system 100comprising a safety mechanism (e.g., safety path 108) for an anglesensor (e.g., angle sensor 102) using segmentation, as described herein.In FIGS. 2A and 2B, components of the angle measurement path 104 areindicated by a white color, components of the angle measurement path 106are indicated by a hatched pattern, components of the safety path 108are indicated by a light gray color, and the digital output component isindicated by a dark gray color. Additionally, the safety path 108includes one or more vector length check components 212 (e.g., a vectorlength check component 212 a, a vector length check component 212 b), asegment mapping component 214 a, a segment mapping component 214 b, asegment comparison component 216, and an angle comparison component 218.

Generally, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D for example, the anglemeasurement path 104 includes a set of angle sensing elements 202 (e.g.,a sensing element 202 x for sensing the x-component of a magnetic fieldand a sensing element 202 y for sensing the y-component of the magneticfield), a set of measuring elements 206 (e.g., a measuring element 206 x₁ for measuring the x-component sensed by the sensing element 202 x anda measuring element 206 y ₁ for measuring the y-component sensed by thesensing element 202 y), and an angle calculation component 210 a.Similarly, the angle measurement path 106 includes a set of anglesensing elements 204 (e.g., a sensing element 204 x for sensing thex-component of a magnetic field and a sensing element 204 y for sensingthe y-component of the magnetic field), a set of measuring elements 206(e.g., a measuring element 206 x ₂ for measuring the x-component sensedby the sensing element 204 x and a measuring element 206 y ₂ formeasuring the y-component sensed by the sensing element 204 y), and anangle calculation component 210 b.

A set of angle sensing elements (e.g., the set of angle sensing elements202 or the set of angle sensing elements 204) is a set of components forsensing a magnetic field at the angle sensor 102. In someimplementations, as described above, each set of angle sensing elements202/204 includes a sensing element 202/204 configured to sense anx-component of the magnetic field and a sensing element 202/204configured to sense a y-component of the magnetic field. In someimplementations, a given set of angle sensing elements 202/204 mayinclude MR sensing elements, which are elements comprised of amagnetoresistive material (e.g., nickel-iron (NiFe)), where anelectrical resistance of the magnetoresistive material depends on astrength and/or a direction of the magnetic field present at themagnetoresistive material. Here, the given set of angle sensing elements202/204 may operate based on an AMR effect, a GMR effect, or a TMReffect, among other examples. Further, in some implementations, a givenset of angle sensing elements 202/204 may include a set of Hall-basedsensing elements that operate based on the Hall effect. In someimplementations, a given sensing element 202/204 may provide an analogsignal, corresponding to a strength of a component of the magneticfield, to a measuring element 206.

A measuring element 206 may include an ADC that converts analog signalsfrom a set of angle sensing elements 202/204 to a digital signal. Forexample, the measuring element 206 x ₁ may include an ADC that convertsanalog signals, received from the set of angle sensing elements 202,into digital signals to be processed by a DSP of the measuring element206 x ₁.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 2A, the angle measurement path104 and the angle measurement path 106 are diverse measurement paths.Thus, the set of angle sensing elements 202 on the angle measurementpath 104 may in some implementations include a set of MR sensingelements, while the set of angle sensing elements 204 on the anglemeasurement path 106 may include a set of Hall-based sensing elements.As another example, the set of angle sensing elements 202 on the anglemeasurement path 104 may in some implementations include a first set ofMR sensing elements (e.g., a set of AMR elements), while the set ofangle sensing elements 204 on the angle measurement path 106 may includea second set of MR elements (e.g., a set of GMR elements or a set of TMRelements, among other examples). In some implementations, themeasurement range provided by the set of angle sensing elements 202 isdifferent from the measurement range provided by the set of anglesensing elements 204. As shown in FIG. 2A, the measurement rangeprovided by the set of angle sensing elements 202 may be 360 degrees(°). For example, the set of angle sensing elements 202 may include aset of GMR sensing elements, a set of TMR sensing elements, a set ofHall-based sensing elements, or the like. The measurement range providedby the set of angle sensing elements 204 may be 180°. For example, theset of angle sensing elements 204 may include a set of AMR sensingelements.

The use of diverse angle measurement paths 104/106 provided by the setsof angle sensing elements 202/204 provides both redundancy of anglemeasurement and diversity of sensing principle, thereby enhancingfunctional safety of the angle sensor 102. In some implementations, theset of sensors 202/204 may integrate gain and offset calibrationincluding temperature compensation into the angle measurement paths104/106 to account for deviations in the set of sensors 202/204fabrication spread, nonlinearities, aging dependencies, and/ortemperature dependencies which may result from the use of differenttypes of sensors. In some implementations, the angle measurement paths104/106 may also compensate harmonic components of the x-componentsignal and the y-component signal in order to achieve high accuracy ofthe angle measurement and high coverage of the safety path 108. Thecalibration and compensation of the angle measurement paths 104/106 canbe done by parameters stored in an NVM based on end of line measurementsand/or may utilize auto calibration algorithms, as discussed above.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the angle calculation component 210 a receives thex-component value and the y-component value measured by the measuringelement 206 x ₁ and 206 y ₁, respectively, and calculates the angularposition θ_(a) by calculating an arctangent of the y-component dividedby the x-component. In some implementations, the angle calculationcomponent 210 a calculates a vector length r_(a) based on thex-component value and the y-component value, as described above. Theangle calculation component 210 a may provide one or more signalsindicating the vector length r_(a) computed from the x-component valueand the y-component value (e.g., when the angle calculation component210 a is configured to compute the vector length r_(a)) to the vectorlength check component 212 a and/or the one or more signals indicatingthe angular position θ_(a) to the angle compare component 218.

Similarly, the angle calculation component 210 b receives thex-component value and the y-component value measured by the measuringelement 206 x ₂ and 206 y ₂, respectively, and calculates the angularposition θ_(b) by calculating an arctangent of the y-component dividedby the x-component. In some implementations, the angle calculationcomponent 210 b calculates a vector length r_(b) based on thex-component value and the y-component value, as described above. Theangle calculation component 210 b may provide one or more signalsindicating the vector length r_(b) computed from the x-component valueand the y-component value (e.g., when the angle calculation component210 b is configured to compute the vector length r_(b)) to the vectorlength check component 212 b and/or one or more signals indicating theangular position θ_(b) to the angle compare component 218.

The angle compare component 218 may receive one or more signalsindicating the angular position θ_(a) and one or more signals indicatingthe angular position θ_(b) from the angle calculation component 210 aand the angle calculation component 210 b, respectively. The anglecompare component 218 may perform an angle comparison check based on theangular position θ_(a) and the angular position θ_(b). In someimplementations, the angle compare component 218 may perform an anglecomparison check based on the angular position θ_(a) and the angularposition θ_(b) in a manner similar to that described above with respectto FIG. 1A. The angle compare component 218 may output a signalindicating a result of the angle comparison check to the digital outputcomponent 110.

As also shown in FIG. 2A, the vector length check component 212 breceives the x-component value and the y-component value measured by themeasuring element 206 x ₂ and the measuring element 206 y ₂,respectively, and performs a vector check based on the x-component valueand the y-component value. In some implementations, the vector lengthcheck component 212 b performs the vector check in a manner similar tothat described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The vector lengthcheck component 212 b may output a signal indicating a result of thevector length check component to the digital output component 110.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the segment mapping component 214 a receives thex-component value x₁ from the measuring element 206 x ₁ and receives they-component value y₁ from the measuring element 206 y ₁. Similarly, thesegment mapping component 214 b receives the x-component value x₂ fromthe measuring element 206 x ₂ and receives the y-component value y₂ fromthe measuring element 206 y ₂.

The segment mapping component 214 a may segment the measurement range ofthe set of angle sensing elements 202 to generate a plurality ofsegments. Each segment may be associated with a range of anglescorresponding to the measurement range of the set of angle sensingelements 202. In some implementations, the segment mapping component 214a segments the measurement range associated with the sensing elements202 based on detecting a zero crossing of the x-component signal (e.g.,x₁=0), a zero crossing of the y-component signal (e.g., y₁=0), and oneor more points corresponding to the absolute value of the x-componentsignal being equal to the absolute value of the y-component signal.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the segment mapping component 214 amay segment the 360° measurement range of the sensing elements 202 intoa first 45° segment based on detecting a zero crossing of they-component signal at point 220 and a point corresponding to theabsolute value of the x-component signal being equal to the absolutevalue of the y-component signal at point 224. The segment mappingcomponent 214 a may segment the 360° measurement range of the sensingelements 202 into a second 45° segment based on detecting the pointcorresponding to the absolute value of the x-component signal beingequal to the absolute value of the y-component signal at point 224 and azero crossing of the x-component signal at point 228. The segmentmapping component 214 a may continue in a similar manner to segment the360° measurement range of the sensing elements 202 into a series of 45°segments.

The segment mapping component 214 b may segment the measurement range ofthe set of angle sensing elements 204 to generate a plurality ofsegments. Each segment may be associated with a range of anglescorresponding to the measurement range of the set of angle sensingelements 204. In some implementations, the segment mapping component 214b segments the measurement range associated with the sensing elements204 based on detecting a zero crossing of the x-component signal (e.g.,x₂=0), a zero crossing of the y-component signal (e.g., y₂=0), and oneor more points corresponding to the absolute value of the x-componentsignal being equal to the absolute value of the y-component signal.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the segment mapping component 214 bmay segment the 180° measurement range of the sensing elements 204 intoa first 22.5° segment based on detecting a zero crossing of they-component signal at point 220 and a point corresponding to theabsolute value of the x-component signal being equal to the absolutevalue of the y-component signal at point 222. The segment mappingcomponent 214 b may segment the 180° measurement range of the sensingelements 204 into a second 22.5° segment based on detecting the pointcorresponding to the absolute value of the x-component signal beingequal to the absolute value of the y-component signal at point 222 and azero crossing of the x-component signal at point 226. The segmentmapping component 214 b may continue in a similar manner to segment the180° measurement range of the sensing elements 204 into a series of22.5° segments.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine a segment thatincludes the x-component value x₁ and the y-component value y₁. Thesegment mapping component 214 a may determine the segment based on arelationship between the x-component value x₁ and the y-component valuey₁. The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that thex-component value x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in afirst segment corresponding to 0° through 45° when the x-component valuex₁ is greater than the y-component value y₁ and the y-component value y₁is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in a second segmentcorresponding to 45° through 90° when the y-component value y₁ isgreater than the x-component value x₁ and the x-component value x₁ isgreater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in a third segmentcorresponding to 90° through 135° when the y-component value y₁ isgreater than the negative of the x-component value x₁ (e.g., y₁>−x₁) andthe negative of the x-component value x₁ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in a fourth segmentcorresponding to 135° through 180° when the negative of the x-componentvalue x₁ is greater than the y-component value y₁ and the y-componentvalue y₁ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in a fifth segmentcorresponding to 180° through 225° when the y-component value y₁ is lessthan zero and the x-component value x₁ is less than the y-componentvalue y₁.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in a sixth segmentcorresponding to 225° through 270° when the x-component value x₁ is lessthan zero and the y-component value y₁ is less than the x-componentvalue x₁.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in a seventh segmentcorresponding to 270° through 315° when the negative of the y-componentvalue y₁ is greater than the x-component value x₁ and the x-componentvalue x₁ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 a may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are included in an eighth segmentcorresponding to 315° through 360° when the x-component value x₁ isgreater than the negative of the y-component value y₁ and the negativeof the y-component value y₁ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine a segment thatincludes the x-component value x₂ and the y-component value y₂. Thesegment mapping component 214 b may determine the segment based on arelationship between the x-component value x₂ and the y-component valuey₂. The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that thex-component value x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in afirst segment corresponding to 0° through 22.5° when the x-componentvalue x₂ is greater than the y-component value y₂ and the y-componentvalue y₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a second segmentcorresponding to 22.5° through 45° when the y-component value y₂ isgreater than the x-component value x₂ and the x-component value x₂ isgreater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a third segmentcorresponding to 45° through 67.5° when the y-component value y₂ isgreater than the negative of the x-component value x₂ and the negativeof the x-component value x₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a fourth segmentcorresponding to 67.5° through 90° when the negative of the x-componentvalue x₂ is greater than the y-component value y₂ and the y-componentvalue y₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a fifth segmentcorresponding to 90° through 112.5° when the y-component value y₂ isless than zero and the x-component value x₂ is less than the y-componentvalue y₂.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a sixth segmentcorresponding to 112.5° through 135° when the x-component value x₂ isless than zero and the y-component value y₂ is less than the x-componentvalue x₁.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a seventh segmentcorresponding to 135° through 157.5° when the negative of they-component value y₂ is greater than the x-component value x₂ and thex-component value x₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in an eighth segmentcorresponding to 157.5° through 180° when the x-component value x₂ isgreater than the negative of the y-component value y₂ and the negativeof the y-component value y₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a ninth segmentcorresponding to 180° through 202.5° when the x-component value x₂ isgreater than the y-component value y₂ and the y-component value y₂ isgreater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a tenth segmentcorresponding to 202.5° through 225° when the y-component value y₂ isgreater than the x-component value x₂ and the x-component value x₂ isgreater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in an eleventhsegment corresponding to 225° through 247.5° when the y-component valuey₂ is greater than the negative of the x-component value x₂ and thenegative of the x-component value x₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a twelfth segmentcorresponding to 247.5° through 270° when the negative of thex-component value x₂ is greater than the y-component value y₂ and they-component value y₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a thirteenthsegment corresponding to 270° through 292.5° when the y-component valuey₂ is less than zero and the x-component value x₂ is less than they-component value y₂.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a fourteenthsegment corresponding to 292.5° through 315° when the x-component valuex₂ is less than zero and the y-component value y₂ is less than thex-component value x₁.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a fifteenthsegment corresponding to 315° through 337.5° when the negative of they-component value y₂ is greater than the x-component value x₂ and thex-component value x₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping component 214 b may determine that the x-componentvalue x₂ and the y-component value y₂ are included in a sixteenthsegment corresponding to 337.5° through 360° when the x-component valuex₂ is greater than the negative of the y-component value y₂ and thenegative of the y-component value y₂ is greater than zero.

The segment mapping components 214 a/214 b may provide one or moresignals indicating the determined segments to the segment comparisoncomponent 216. The segment comparison component 216 may determinewhether the segment determined by the segment mapping component 214 b isincluded within the segment determined by the segment mapping component214 a. For example, the segment comparison component 216 may determinewhether a range of angles associated with the segment determined by thesegment mapping component 214 b is included within a range of anglesassociated with the segment determined by the segment mapping component214 a. The segment comparison component 216 may provide one or moresignals indicating a positive result of the comparison to the digitaloutput component 210 when the segment determined by the segment mappingcomponent 214 b is included within the segment determined by the segmentmapping component 214 a.

In some implementations, the segment comparison component 216 mayprovide one or more signals indicating a negative result of thecomparison to the digital output component 210 when the segmentdetermined by the segment mapping component 214 b is not included withinthe segment determined by the segment mapping component 214 a. In someimplementations, the segment comparison component 216 may perform one ormore additional safety checks when the segment determined by the segmentmapping component 214 b is not included within the segment determined bythe segment mapping component 214 a.

In some implementations, the borders for the segments for the 180°measurement range and the borders for the segments for the 360°measurement may align every 45°. The alignment of the borders and minorinaccuracies may cause the segment determined by the segment mappingcomponent 214 b to not be included within the segment determined by thesegment mapping component 214 a when the x-component values and/or they-component values are close to (e.g., within a threshold number ofdegrees) aligned borders.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the x-component value x₁ and they-component value y₁ are adjacent to the 90° border of the secondsegment of the 360° measurement range and the x-component value x₂ andthe y-component value y₂ are adjacent to the 90° border of the fifthsegment of the 180° measurement range. The segment comparison component216 may perform a safety check to determine whether the segmentdetermined by the segment mapping component 214 b is adjacent to thesegment determined by the segment mapping component 214 a. The segmentcomparison component 216 may provide one or more signals indicating apositive result of the comparison to the digital output component 210when the segment determined by the segment mapping component 214 b isadjacent to the segment determined by the segment mapping component 214a.

In some implementations, the segment comparison component 216 maydetermine whether the common border of the identified segments is amultiple of 90° (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°). For example, as shownin FIG. 2C, the x-components and the y-components may be adjacent to the90° border. The segment comparison component 216 may perform anadditional safety check based on the common border of the identifiedsegments being a multiple of 90°. In some implementations, the segmentcomparison component 216 may determine whether the x-component value x₁and the y-component y₁ are close to the common border (e.g., within aparticular quantity of degrees). The segment comparison component 216may determine that the x-component value x₁ and the y-component y₁ areclose to the common border when the absolute value of the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component y₁ that is closest to zero is smaller thanthe absolute value of the other one of the x-component value x₁ and they-component y₁ by a factor m. The factor m may be a multiple of 2 andwithin the range of 2 through 64. A higher value of the factor m mayprovide a higher accuracy relative to a lower value of the factor m.

In some implementations, the common border is at 90° or 270°. Thesegment comparison component 216 may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are close to the common 90° or270° border when the absolute value of the x-component value x₁multiplied by the factor m is less than the absolute value of they-component value y₁.

In some implementations, the common border is at 0°, 180°, or 360°. Thesegment comparison component 216 may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are close to the common 0°, 180°,or 360° border when the absolute value of the y-component value y₁multiplied by the factor m is less than the absolute value of thex-component value x₁.

In some implementations, the segment comparison component 216 maydetermine whether the common border of the identified segments is amultiple of 90°+45° (e.g., 45°, 135°, 225°, 315°). The segmentcomparison component 216 may perform an additional safety check based onthe common border of the identified segments being a multiple of90°+45°. In some implementations, the segment comparison component 216may determine whether the x-component value x₁ and the y-component y₁are close to the common border (e.g., within a particular quantity ofdegrees). The segment comparison component 216 may determine that thex-component value x₁ and the y-component y₁ are close to the commonborder when the absolute value of the x-component value x₁ minus theabsolute value of the y-component y₁ is less than a value r. The value rmay be the absolute value of the x-component value x₁ divided by afactor k, the absolute value of the y-component value y₁ divided by afactor k, or the sum of the absolute value of the x-component value x₁and the y-component value y₁ divided by two times the factor k. Thefactor k may be a multiple of 2 and may be within the range of 2 through64. A higher value of the factor k may provide a higher accuracyrelative to a lower value of the factor k. In some implementations, thefactor k is the same as the factor m. In some implementations, thefactor k is different from the factor m.

In some implementations, the common border is at 90° or 270°. Thesegment comparison component 216 may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are close to the common 90° or270° border when the absolute value of the x-component value x₁multiplied by the factor m is less than the absolute value of they-component value y₁.

In some implementations, the common border is at 0°, 180°, or 360°. Thesegment comparison component 216 may determine that the x-componentvalue x₁ and the y-component value y₁ are close to the common 0°, 180°,or 360° border when the absolute value of the y-component value y₁multiplied by the factor m is less than the absolute value of thex-component value x₁.

In some implementations, the segment comparison component 216 furthersegments the segments of the 360° measurement range based on the segmentidentified by the segment mapping component 214 b not being within thesegment identified by the segment mapping component 214 a. For example,as shown in FIG. 2D, the segment comparison component 216 may furthersegment each 45° segment into three additional segments. The segmentcomparison component 216 may determine whether the x-component value x₂and the y-component value y₂ are in a segment within, and/or adjacentto, an additional segment that includes the x-component value x₁ and they-component value y₁. In some implementations, the segment comparisoncomponent 216 may determine whether the x-component value x₂ and they-component value y₂ are in a segment within, and/or adjacent to, anadditional segment that includes the x-component value x₁ and they-component value y₁ in a manner similar to that described above.

The number and arrangement of elements shown in FIGS. 2A-2D are providedas an example. In practice, there may be additional elements, fewerelements, different elements, or differently arranged elements thanthose shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating example hardware elements of anglesensor 102. As shown, angle sensor 102 may include sensing elements 310(e.g., comprising at least two sets of elements), an ADC 320, a DSP 330,a memory element 340, and/or a digital interface 350.

Sensing element 310 includes an element for sensing a magnetic fieldpresent at sensing element 310. For example, sensing element 310 mayinclude one or more Hall-based sensing elements that operate based on aHall effect. As another example, sensing element 310 may include one ormore magnetoresistive (MR) based sensing elements, where the electricalresistance of the magnetoresistive material may depend on a strengthand/or a direction of the magnetic field present at the magnetoresistivematerial. Here, sensing element 310 may operate based on an anisotropicmagnetoresistance (AMR) effect, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect,a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) effect, and/or the like. As anadditional example, sensing element 310 may include one or more variablereluctance (VR) based sensing elements that operate based on induction.In some implementations, a set of angle sensing elements 202 (e.g.,sensing element 202 x and sensing element 202 y) and/or a set of anglesensing elements 204 (e.g., sensing element 204 x and sensing element204 y) comprise one or more sensing elements 310.

ADC 320 includes one or more analog-to-digital converters that convertanalog signals from sensing elements 310 to digital signals. Forexample, ADC 320 may convert an analog signal received from a set ofangle sensing elements 310 to a digital signal to be processed by DSP330. In some implementations, ADC 320 may provide a digital signal toDSP 330. In some implementations, angle sensor 102 may include one ormore ADCs 320.

DSP 330 may include a digital signal processing device or a collectionof digital signal processing devices. In some implementations, DSP 330may receive digital signals from ADC 320 and may process the digitalsignals in association with selective performance of one or more safetychecks, as described herein. In some implementations, DSP 330 mayprocess the digital signals in order to form output signals, such asoutput signals associated with an angular position of a target object.

Memory element 340 includes a read only memory (ROM) (e.g., an EEPROM),a random access memory (RAM), and/or another type of dynamic or staticstorage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an opticalmemory, etc.) that stores information and/or instructions for use byangle sensor 102, as described herein. In some implementations, memoryelement 340 may store information associated with processing performedby DSP 330. Additionally, or alternatively, memory element 340 may storeconfigurational values or parameters for sensing element 310 and/orinformation for one or more other elements of angle sensor 102, such asADC 320 or digital interface 350.

Digital interface 350 may include an interface via which angle sensor102 may receive and/or provide information from and/or to anotherdevice, such as controller 112. For example, digital interface 350 mayprovide the output signal determined by DSP 330 to controller 112 andmay receive information from controller 112.

The number and arrangement of elements shown in FIG. 3 are provided asan example. In practice, there may be additional elements, fewerelements, different elements, or differently arranged elements thanthose shown in FIG. 3 . For example, angle sensor 102 may include one ormore elements not shown in FIG. 3 , such as a clock, an analogregulator, a digital regulator, a protection element, a temperaturesensor, a stress sensor, and/or the like.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process 400 associated with safetymechanism for angle sensors using segmentation. In some implementations,one or more process blocks of FIG. 4 may be performed by an angle sensor(e.g., sensor 102). In some implementations, one or more process blocksof FIG. 4 may be performed by another device or a group of devicesseparate from or including the angle sensor, such as a controller (e.g.,controller 112).

As shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include receiving a firstx-component value and a first y-component value from a first set sensingelements (block 410). For example, the angle sensor may receive a firstx-component value and a first y-component value from a first set sensingelements, as described above.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include receiving a secondx-component value and a second y-component value from a second set ofangle sensing elements (block 420). For example, the angle sensor mayreceive a second x-component value and a second y-component value from asecond set of angle sensing elements, as described above.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include performing a safetycheck including determining a first range of angles associated with atarget object based on a relationship between a magnitude of the firstx-component value and a magnitude of the first y-component value (block430). For example, the angle sensor may perform a safety check includingdetermining a first range of angles associated with a target objectbased on a relationship between a magnitude of the first x-componentvalue and a magnitude of the first y-component value, as describedabove.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining asecond range of angles associated with the target object based on arelationship between a magnitude of the second x-component value and amagnitude of the second y-component value (block 440). For example, theangle sensor may determine a second range of angles associated with thetarget object based on a relationship between a magnitude of the secondx-component value and a magnitude of the second y-component value, asdescribed above.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include determining whetherthe second range of angles is a subset of the first range of angles(block 450). For example, the angle sensor may determine whether thesecond range of angles is a subset of the first range of angles, asdescribed above.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , process 400 may include outputting anindication of a result of performing the safety check based on whetherthe second range of angles is a subset of the first range of angles(block 460). For example, the angle sensor may output an indication of aresult of performing the safety check based on whether the second rangeof angles is a subset of the first range of angles, as described above.

Process 400 may include additional implementations, such as any singleimplementation or any combination of implementations described belowand/or in connection with one or more other processes describedelsewhere herein.

In a first implementation, determining the first range of anglescomprises determining that the first range of angles is a range ofangles from zero degrees to forty-five degrees when the firstx-component value is greater than the first y-component value and thefirst y-component value is greater than zero, determining that the firstrange of angles is a range of angles from forty-five degrees to ninetydegrees when the first y-component value is greater than the firstx-component value and the first x-component value is greater than zero,determining that the first range of angles is a range of angles fromninety degrees to 135 degrees when the first y-component value isgreater than a negative of the first x-component value and the negativeof the first x-component value is greater than zero, determining thatthe first range of angles is a range of angles from 135 degrees to 180degrees when the negative of the first x-component value is greater thanthe first y-component value and the first y-component value is greaterthan zero, determining that the first range of angles is a range ofangles from 180 degrees to 225 degrees when the first y-component valueis less than zero and the first x-component value is less than the firsty-component value, determining that the first range of angles is a rangeof angles from 225 degrees to 270 degrees when the first x-componentvalue is less than zero and the first y-component value is less than thefirst x-component value, determining that the first range of angles is arange of angles from 270 degrees to 315 degrees when the negative of thefirst y-component value is greater than the first x-component value andthe first x-component value is greater than zero, and determining thatthe first range of angles is a range of angles from 315 degrees to 360degrees when the first x-component value is greater than the negative ofthe first y-component value and the negative of the first y-componentvalue is greater than zero.

In a second implementation, alone or in combination with the firstimplementation, determining the second range of angles comprisesdetermining that the second range of angles is a range of angles fromzero degrees to 22.5 degrees when the second x-component value isgreater than the second y-component value and the second y-componentvalue is greater than zero, determining that the second range of anglesis a range of angles from 22.5 degrees to forty-five degrees when thesecond y-component value is greater than the second x-component valueand the second x-component value is greater than zero, determining thatthe second range of angles is a range of angles from forty-five degreesto 67.5 degrees when the second y-component value is greater than anegative of the second x-component value and the negative of the secondx-component value is greater than zero, determining that the secondrange of angles is a range of angles from 67.5 degrees to ninety degreeswhen the negative of the second x-component value is greater than thesecond y-component value and the second y-component value is greaterthan zero, determining that the second range of angles is a range ofangles from ninety degrees to 112.5 degrees when the second y-componentvalue is less than zero and the second x-component value is less thanthe second y-component value, determining that the second range ofangles is a range of angles from 112.5 degrees to 135 degrees when thesecond x-component value is less than zero and the second y-componentvalue is less than the second x-component value, determining that thesecond range of angles is a range of angles from 135 degrees to 157.5degrees when the negative of the second y-component value is greaterthan the second x-component value and the second x-component value isgreater than zero, and determining that the second range of angles is arange of angles from 157.5 degrees to 180 degrees when the secondx-component value is greater than the negative of the second y-componentvalue and the negative of the second y-component value is greater thanzero.

In a third implementation, alone or in combination with one or more ofthe first and second implementations, determining the second range ofangles comprises determining that the second range of angles is a rangeof angles from 180 degrees to 202.5 degrees when the second x-componentvalue is greater than the second y-component value and the secondy-component value is greater than zero, determining that the secondrange of angles is a range of angles from 202.5 degrees to 225 degreeswhen the second y-component value is greater than the second x-componentvalue and the second x-component value is greater than zero, determiningthat the second range of angles is a range of angles from 225 degrees to247.5 degrees when the second y-component value is greater than anegative of the second x-component value and the negative of the secondx-component value is greater than zero, determining that the secondrange of angles is a range of angles from 247.5 degrees to 270 degreeswhen the negative of the second x-component value is greater than thesecond y-component value and the second y-component value is greaterthan zero, determining that the second range of angles is a range ofangles from 270 degrees to 292.5 degrees when the second y-componentvalue is less than zero and the second x-component value is less thanthe second y-component value, determining that the second range ofangles is a range of angles from 292.5 degrees to 315 degrees when thesecond x-component value is less than zero and the second y-componentvalue is less than the second x-component value, determining that thesecond range of angles is a range of angles from 315 degrees to 337.5degrees when the negative of the second y-component value is greaterthan the second x-component value and the second x-component value isgreater than zero, and determining that the second range of angles is arange of angles from 337.5 degrees to 360 degrees when the secondx-component value is greater than the negative of the second y-componentvalue and the negative of the second y-component value is greater thanzero.

In a fourth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more ofthe first through third implementations, performing the safety checkfurther includes determining that a largest angle included in the firstrange of angles is equal to a smallest angle included in the secondrange of angles, wherein the indication of the result includes anindication of a positive result of performing the safety check based onthe largest angle included in the first range of angles being equal tothe smallest angle included in the second range of angles.

In a fifth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more ofthe first through fourth implementations, performing the safety checkfurther includes determining that a smallest angle included in the firstrange of angles is equal to a largest angle included in the second rangeof angles, wherein the indication of the result includes an indicationof a positive result of performing the safety check based on thesmallest angle included in the first range of angles being equal to thelargest angle included in the second range of angles.

In a sixth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more ofthe first through fifth implementations, performing the safety checkfurther includes determining that the first range of angles includesninety degrees or 270 degrees, and determining whether the firstx-component value, multiplied by a first factor, is less than the firsty-component value, wherein the indication of the result includes anindication of a positive result of performing the safety check when thefirst x-component value, multiplied by the first factor, is less thanthe first y-component value.

In a seventh implementation, alone or in combination with one or more ofthe first through sixth implementations, performing the safety checkfurther includes determining that the first range of angles includeszero degrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees, and determining whether thefirst y-component value, multiplied by a first factor, is less than thefirst x-component value, wherein the indication of the result includesan indication of a positive result of performing the safety check whenthe first y-component value, multiplied by the first factor, is lessthan the first x-component value.

In an eighth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more ofthe first through seventh implementations, performing the safety checkfurther includes determining that the first range of angles includes 45degrees or 135 degrees, and determining whether a difference between anabsolute value of the first x-component value and an absolute value ofthe first y-component value satisfies a threshold, wherein theindication of the result includes an indication of a positive result ofperforming the safety check when difference of the absolute value of thefirst x-component value and the absolute value of the first y-componentvalue satisfies the threshold.

Although FIG. 4 shows example blocks of process 400, in someimplementations, process 400 may include additional blocks, fewerblocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than thosedepicted in FIG. 4 . Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of theblocks of process 400 may be performed in parallel.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to theprecise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made inlight of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of theimplementations.

As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construedas hardware, firmware, and/or a combination of hardware and software. Itwill be apparent that systems and/or methods described herein may beimplemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, or a combinationof hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware orsoftware code used to implement these systems and/or methods is notlimiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of thesystems and/or methods are described herein without reference tospecific software code—it being understood that software and hardwarecan be designed to implement the systems and/or methods based on thedescription herein.

As used herein, satisfying a threshold may, depending on the context,refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equalto the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to thethreshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, or thelike.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in theclaims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are notintended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. In fact,many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recitedin the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although eachdependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, thedisclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim incombination with every other claim in the claim set. As used herein, aphrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to anycombination of those items, including single members. As an example, “atleast one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c,and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiple of the same item.

No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed ascritical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as usedherein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or moreitems, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, asused herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more itemsreferenced in connection with the article “the” and may be usedinterchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, theterm “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., relateditems, unrelated items, or a combination of related and unrelateditems), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where onlyone item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used.Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like areintended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” isintended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly statedotherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to beinclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with“and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used incombination with “either” or “only one of”).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a system andvia a first angle measurement path, a first x-component value and afirst y-component value from a first set of angle sensing elements,wherein the first set of angle sensing elements are associated with afirst measurement range; receiving, by the system and via a second anglemeasurement path, a second x-component value and a second y-componentvalue from a second set of angle sensing elements, wherein the secondset of angle sensing elements are associated with a second measurementrange that is different from the first measurement range; performing, bythe system, a safety check including: segmenting, based on anintersection of an x-component signal and a y-component signalassociated with the first set of angle sensing elements, the firstmeasurement range into a plurality of first segments; segmenting, basedon an intersection of an x-component signal and a y-component signalassociated with the second set of angle sensing elements, the secondmeasurement range into a plurality of second segments; determining afirst segment, of the plurality of first segments, corresponding to afirst range of angles associated with a target object based on arelationship between a magnitude of the first x-component value and amagnitude of the first y-component value; determining a second segment,of the plurality of second segments, corresponding to a second range ofangles associated with the target object based on a relationship betweena magnitude of the second x-component value and a magnitude of thesecond y-component value; and determining whether the second range ofangles is a subset of the first range of angles; and outputting, by thesystem and to a controller, a signal corresponding to an indication of aresult of performing the safety check based on whether the second rangeof angles is a subset of the first range of angles, wherein theindication of the result of performing the safety check indicateswhether a failure, an error, or a deactivation is associated with one ormore of the first angle measurement path or the second angle measurementpath, and wherein the controller performs one or more operationsassociated with controlling one or more of an electrical system or anelectrical subsystem based on the indication.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein determining the first range of angles comprises: determiningthat the first range of angles is a range of angles from zero degrees toforty-five degrees when the first x-component value is greater than thefirst y-component value and the first y-component value is greater thanzero; determining that the first range of angles is a range of anglesfrom forty-five degrees to ninety degrees when the first y-componentvalue is greater than the first x-component value and the firstx-component value is greater than zero; determining that the first rangeof angles is a range of angles from ninety degrees to 135 degrees whenthe first y-component value is greater than a negative of the firstx-component value and the negative of the first x-component value isgreater than zero; determining that the first range of angles is a rangeof angles from 135 degrees to 180 degrees when the negative of the firstx-component value is greater than the first y-component value and thefirst y-component value is greater than zero; determining that the firstrange of angles is a range of angles from 180 degrees to 225 degreeswhen the first y-component value is less than zero and the firstx-component value is less than the first y-component value; determiningthat the first range of angles is a range of angles from 225 degrees to270 degrees when the first x-component value is less than zero and thefirst y-component value is less than the first x-component value;determining that the first range of angles is a range of angles from 270degrees to 315 degrees when the negative of the first y-component valueis greater than the first x-component value and the first x-componentvalue is greater than zero; and determining that the first range ofangles is a range of angles from 315 degrees to 360 degrees when thefirst x-component value is greater than the negative of the firsty-component value and the negative of the first y-component value isgreater than zero.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining thesecond range of angles comprises: determining that the second range ofangles is a range of angles from zero degrees to 22.5 degrees when thesecond x-component value is greater than the second y-component valueand the second y-component value is greater than zero; determining thatthe second range of angles is a range of angles from 22.5 degrees toforty-five degrees when the second y-component value is greater than thesecond x-component value and the second x-component value is greaterthan zero; determining that the second range of angles is a range ofangles from forty-five degrees to 67.5 degrees when the secondy-component value is greater than a negative of the second x-componentvalue and the negative of the second x-component value is greater thanzero; determining that the second range of angles is a range of anglesfrom 67.5 degrees to ninety degrees when the negative of the secondx-component value is greater than the second y-component value and thesecond y-component value is greater than zero; determining that thesecond range of angles is a range of angles from ninety degrees to 112.5degrees when the second y-component value is less than zero and thesecond x-component value is less than the second y-component value;determining that the second range of angles is a range of angles from112.5 degrees to 135 degrees when the second x-component value is lessthan zero and the second y-component value is less than the secondx-component value; determining that the second range of angles is arange of angles from 135 degrees to 157.5 degrees when the negative ofthe second y-component value is greater than the second x-componentvalue and the second x-component value is greater than zero; anddetermining that the second range of angles is a range of angles from157.5 degrees to 180 degrees when the second x-component value isgreater than the negative of the second y-component value and thenegative of the second y-component value is greater than zero.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein determining the second range of anglescomprises: determining that the second range of angles is a range ofangles from 180 degrees to 202.5 degrees when the second x-componentvalue is greater than the second y-component value and the secondy-component value is greater than zero; determining that the secondrange of angles is a range of angles from 202.5 degrees to 225 degreeswhen the second y-component value is greater than the second x-componentvalue and the second x-component value is greater than zero; determiningthat the second range of angles is a range of angles from 225 degrees to247.5 degrees when the second y-component value is greater than anegative of the second x-component value and the negative of the secondx-component value is greater than zero; determining that the secondrange of angles is a range of angles from 247.5 degrees to 270 degreeswhen the negative of the second x-component value is greater than thesecond y-component value and the second y-component value is greaterthan zero; determining that the second range of angles is a range ofangles from 270 degrees to 292.5 degrees when the second y-componentvalue is less than zero and the second x-component value is less thanthe second y-component value; determining that the second range ofangles is a range of angles from 292.5 degrees to 315 degrees when thesecond x-component value is less than zero and the second y-componentvalue is less than the second x-component value; determining that thesecond range of angles is a range of angles from 315 degrees to 337.5degrees when the negative of the second y-component value is greaterthan the second x-component value and the second x-component value isgreater than zero; and determining that the second range of angles is arange of angles from 337.5 degrees to 360 degrees when the secondx-component value is greater than the negative of the second y-componentvalue and the negative of the second y-component value is greater thanzero.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the safety checkfurther includes: determining that a largest angle included in the firstrange of angles is equal to a smallest angle included in the secondrange of angles or that a smallest angle included in the first range ofangles is equal to a largest angle included in the second range ofangles, wherein the indication of the result includes an indication of apositive result of performing the safety check based on the largestangle included in the first range of angles being equal to the smallestangle included in the second range of angles or based on the smallestangle included in the first range of angles being equal to the largestangle included in the second range of angles.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein performing the safety check further includes: determining thatthe first range of angles includes ninety degrees or 270 degrees; anddetermining whether the first x-component value, multiplied by a firstfactor, is less than the first y-component value, wherein the indicationof the result includes an indication of a positive result of performingthe safety check when the first x-component value, multiplied by thefirst factor, is less than the first y-component value.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein performing the safety check further includes:determining that the first range of angles includes zero degrees, 180degrees, or 360 degrees; and determining whether the first y-componentvalue, multiplied by a first factor, is less than the first x-componentvalue, wherein the indication of the result includes an indication of apositive result of performing the safety check when the firsty-component value, multiplied by the first factor, is less than thefirst x-component value.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein performingthe safety check further includes: determining that the first range ofangles includes 45 degrees or 135 degrees; and determining whether adifference between an absolute value of the first x-component value andan absolute value of the first y-component value satisfies a threshold,wherein the indication of the result includes an indication of apositive result of performing the safety check when difference of theabsolute value of the first x-component value and the absolute value ofthe first y-component value satisfies the threshold.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: determining the threshold based on:dividing the absolute value of the first x-component value by a value;dividing the absolute value of the first y-component value by the value;or dividing a sum of the absolute value of the first x-component valueand the absolute value of the first y-component value by a multiple ofthe value.
 10. An angle sensor, comprising: a first angle measurementpath to determine a first x-component value and a first y-componentvalue based on sensor values from a first set sensing elements, whereinthe first set of angle sensing elements are associated with a firstmeasurement range; a second angle measurement path to determine a secondx-component value and a second y-component value based on sensor valuesfrom a second set of angle sensing elements, wherein the second set ofangle sensing elements are associated with a second measurement rangethat is different from the first measurement range; a safety path toperform a safety check, the safety path being configured to: segment,based on an intersection of an x-component signal and a y-componentsignal associated with the first set of angle sensing elements, thefirst measurement range into a plurality of first segments; segment,based on an intersection of an x-component signal and a y-componentsignal associated with the second set of angle sensing elements, thesecond measurement range into a plurality of second segments; determinea first segment, of the plurality of first segments, corresponding to afirst range of angles associated with a target object based on arelationship between the first x-component value and the firsty-component value; determine a second segment, of the plurality ofsecond segments, corresponding to a second range of angles associatedwith the target object based on a relationship between the secondx-component value and the second y-component value; and determinewhether the second range of angles is a subset of the first range ofangles; and an output component to provide, to a controller, anindication of a result of performing the safety check based on whetherthe second range of angles is a subset of the first range of angles,wherein the indication of the result of performing the safety checkindicates whether a failure, an error, or a deactivation is associatedwith one or more of the first angle measurement path or the second anglemeasurement path, and wherein the controller performs one or moreoperations associated with controlling one or more of an electricalsystem or an electrical subsystem based on the indication.
 11. The anglesensor of claim 10, wherein the safety path, to determine the firstrange of angles, is configured to: determine that the first range ofangles is a range of angles from zero degrees to forty-five degrees whenthe first x-component value is greater than the first y-component valueand the first y-component value is greater than zero; determine that thefirst range of angles is a range of angles from forty-five degrees toninety degrees when the first y-component value is greater than thefirst x-component value and the first x-component value is greater thanzero; determine that the first range of angles is a range of angles fromninety degrees to 135 degrees when the first y-component value isgreater than a negative of the first x-component value and the negativeof the first x-component value is greater than zero; determine that thefirst range of angles is a range of angles from 135 degrees to 180degrees when the negative of the first x-component value is greater thanthe first y-component value and the first y-component value is greaterthan zero; determine that the first range of angles is a range of anglesfrom 180 degrees to 225 degrees when the first y-component value is lessthan zero and the first x-component value is less than the firsty-component value; determine that the first range of angles is a rangeof angles from 225 degrees to 270 degrees when the first x-componentvalue is less than zero and the first y-component value is less than thefirst x-component value; determine that the first range of angles is arange of angles from 270 degrees to 315 degrees when the negative of thefirst y-component value is greater than the first x-component value andthe first x-component value is greater than zero; and determine that thefirst range of angles is a range of angles from 315 degrees to 360degrees when the first x-component value is greater than the negative ofthe first y-component value and the negative of the first y-componentvalue is greater than zero.
 12. The angle sensor of claim 10, whereinthe safety path, to determine the second range of angles, is configuredto: determine that the second range of angles is a range of angles fromzero degrees to 22.5 degrees when the second x-component value isgreater than the second y-component value and the second y-componentvalue is greater than zero; determine that the second range of angles isa range of angles from 22.5 degrees to forty-five degrees when thesecond y-component value is greater than the second x-component valueand the second x-component value is greater than zero; determine thatthe second range of angles is a range of angles from forty-five degreesto 67.5 degrees when the second y-component value is greater than anegative of the second x-component value and the negative of the secondx-component value is greater than zero; determine that the second rangeof angles is a range of angles from 67.5 degrees to ninety degrees whenthe negative of the second x-component value is greater than the secondy-component value and the second y-component value is greater than zero;determine that the second range of angles is a range of angles fromninety degrees to 112.5 degrees when the second y-component value isless than zero and the second x-component value is less than the secondy-component value; determine that the second range of angles is a rangeof angles from 112.5 degrees to 135 degrees when the second x-componentvalue is less than zero and the second y-component value is less thanthe second x-component value; determine that the second range of anglesis a range of angles from 135 degrees to 157.5 degrees when the negativeof the second y-component value is greater than the second x-componentvalue and the second x-component value is greater than zero; anddetermine that the second range of angles is a range of angles from157.5 degrees to 180 degrees when the second x-component value isgreater than the negative of the second y-component value and thenegative of the second y-component value is greater than zero.
 13. Theangle sensor of claim 10, wherein the safety path, to determine thesecond range of angles, is configured to: determine that the secondrange of angles is a range of angles from 180 degrees to 202.5 degreeswhen the second x-component value is greater than the second y-componentvalue and the second y-component value is greater than zero; determinethat the second range of angles is a range of angles from 202.5 degreesto 225 degrees when the second y-component value is greater than thesecond x-component value and the second x-component value is greaterthan zero; determine that the second range of angles is a range ofangles from 225 degrees to 247.5 degrees when the second y-componentvalue is greater than a negative of the second x-component value and thenegative of the second x-component value is greater than zero; determinethat the second range of angles is a range of angles from 247.5 degreesto 270 degrees when the negative of the second x-component value isgreater than the second y-component value and the second y-componentvalue is greater than zero; determine that the second range of angles isa range of angles from 270 degrees to 292.5 degrees when the secondy-component value is less than zero and the second x-component value isless than the second y-component value; determine that the second rangeof angles is a range of angles from 292.5 degrees to 315 degrees whenthe second x-component value is less than zero and the secondy-component value is less than the second x-component value; determinethat the second range of angles is a range of angles from 315 degrees to337.5 degrees when the negative of the second y-component value isgreater than the second x-component value and the second x-componentvalue is greater than zero; and determine that the second range ofangles is a range of angles from 337.5 degrees to 360 degrees when thesecond x-component value is greater than the negative of the secondy-component value and the negative of the second y-component value isgreater than zero.
 14. The angle sensor of claim 10, wherein the safetypath, to perform the safety check, is configured to: determine that alargest angle included in the first range of angles is equal to asmallest angle included in the second range of angles or that a smallestangle included in the first range of angles is equal to a largest angleincluded in the second range of angles, wherein the indication of theresult includes an indication of a positive result of performing thesafety check based on the largest angle included in the first range ofangles being equal to the smallest angle included in the second range ofangles or based on the smallest angle included in the first range ofangles being equal to the largest angle included in the second range ofangles.
 15. The angle sensor of claim 10, wherein the safety path, toperform the safety check, is configured to: determine that the firstrange of angles includes ninety degrees or 270 degrees; and determinewhether the first x-component value, multiplied by a first factor, isless than the first y-component value, wherein the indication of theresult includes an indication of a positive result of performing thesafety check when the first x-component value, multiplied by the firstfactor, is less than the first y-component value.
 16. The angle sensorof claim 10, wherein the safety path, to perform the safety check, isconfigured to: determine that the first range of angles includes zerodegrees, 180 degrees, or 360 degrees; and determine whether the firsty-component value, multiplied by a first factor, is less than the firstx-component value, wherein the indication of the result includes anindication of a positive result of performing the safety check when thefirst y-component value, multiplied by the first factor, is less thanthe first x-component value.
 17. The angle sensor of claim 10, whereinthe safety path, to perform the safety check, is configured to:determine that the first range of angles includes 45 degrees or 135degrees; and determine whether a difference between an absolute value ofthe first x-component value and an absolute value of the firsty-component value satisfies a threshold, wherein the indication of theresult includes an indication of a positive result of performing thesafety check when difference of the absolute value of the firstx-component value and the absolute value of the first y-component valuesatisfies the threshold; and wherein the safety path, to determine thethreshold, is configured to: divide the absolute value of the firstx-component value by a value; divide the absolute value of the firsty-component value by the value; or divide a sum of the absolute value ofthe first x-component value and the absolute value of the firsty-component value by a multiple of the value.
 18. A sensor systemcomprising: a first set of angle sensing elements configured todetermine a first x-component value and a first y-component value,wherein the first set of angle sensing elements are associated with afirst measurement range; a second set of angle sensing elementsconfigured to determine a second x-component value and a secondy-component value from a second set of angle sensing elements, whereinthe second set of angle sensing elements are associated with a secondmeasurement range that is different from the first measurement range; asafety check component configured to: segment, based on an intersectionof an x-component signal and a y-component signal associated with thefirst set of angle sensing elements, the first measurement range into aplurality of first segments; segment, based on an intersection of anx-component signal and a y-component signal associated with the secondset of angle sensing elements, the second measurement range into aplurality of second segments; determine a first segment, of theplurality of first segments, corresponding to a first range of anglesassociated with a target object based on a relationship between amagnitude of the first x-component value and a magnitude of the firsty-component value; determine a second segment, of the plurality ofsecond segments, corresponding to a second range of angles associatedwith the target object based on a relationship between a magnitude ofthe second x-component value and a magnitude of the second y-componentvalue; and determine whether the second range of angles is a subset ofthe first range of angles; and an output component to provide, to acontroller, an indication of a result of a safety check based on whetherthe second range of angles is a subset of the first range of angles,wherein the indication of the result of the safety check indicateswhether a failure, an error, or a deactivation is associated with one ormore of a first angle measurement path associated with the first set ofangle sensing elements or a second angle measurement path associatedwith the second set of angle sensing elements, and wherein thecontroller performs one or more operations associated with controllingone or more of an electrical system or an electrical subsystem based onthe indication of the result of the safety check.
 19. The sensor systemof claim 18, wherein the safety check component, to determine the firstrange of angles, is configured to: determine that the first range ofangles is a range of angles from zero degrees to forty-five degrees whenthe first x-component value is greater than the first y-component valueand the first y-component value is greater than zero; determine that thefirst range of angles is a range of angles from forty-five degrees toninety degrees when the first y-component value is greater than thefirst x-component value and the first x-component value is greater thanzero; determine that the first range of angles is a range of angles fromninety degrees to 135 degrees when the first y-component value isgreater than a negative of the first x-component value and the negativeof the first x-component value is greater than zero; determine that thefirst range of angles is a range of angles from 135 degrees to 180degrees when the negative of the first x-component value is greater thanthe first y-component value and the first y-component value is greaterthan zero; determine that the first range of angles is a range of anglesfrom 180 degrees to 225 degrees when the first y-component value is lessthan zero and the first x-component value is less than the firsty-component value; determine that the first range of angles is a rangeof angles from 225 degrees to 270 degrees when the first x-componentvalue is less than zero and the first y-component value is less than thefirst x-component value; determine that the first range of angles is arange of angles from 270 degrees to 315 degrees when the negative of thefirst y-component value is greater than the first x-component value andthe first x-component value is greater than zero; and determine that thefirst range of angles is a range of angles from 315 degrees to 360degrees when the first x-component value is greater than the negative ofthe first y-component value and the negative of the first y-componentvalue is greater than zero; and wherein the safety check component, todetermine the second range of angles, is configured to: determine thatthe second range of angles is a range of angles from zero degrees to22.5 degrees when the second x-component value is greater than thesecond y-component value and the second y-component value is greaterthan zero; determine that the second range of angles is a range ofangles from 22.5 degrees to forty-five degrees when the secondy-component value is greater than the second x-component value and thesecond x-component value is greater than zero; determine that the secondrange of angles is a range of angles from forty-five degrees to 67.5degrees when the second y-component value is greater than a negative ofthe second x-component value and the negative of the second x-componentvalue is greater than zero; determine that the second range of angles isa range of angles from 67.5 degrees to ninety degrees when the negativeof the second x-component value is greater than the second y-componentvalue and the second y-component value is greater than zero; determinethat the second range of angles is a range of angles from ninety degreesto 112.5 degrees when the second y-component value is less than zero andthe second x-component value is less than the second y-component value;determine that the second range of angles is a range of angles from112.5 degrees to 135 degrees when the second x-component value is lessthan zero and the second y-component value is less than the secondx-component value; determine that the second range of angles is a rangeof angles from 135 degrees to 157.5 degrees when the negative of thesecond y-component value is greater than the second x-component valueand the second x-component value is greater than zero; and determinethat the second range of angles is a range of angles from 157.5 degreesto 180 degrees when the second x-component value is greater than thenegative of the second y-component value and the negative of the secondy-component value is greater than zero.
 20. The sensor system of claim18, wherein the safety check component is further configured to:determine that a largest angle included in the first range of angles isequal to a smallest angle included in the second range of angles ordetermine that a smallest angle included in the first range of angles isequal to a largest angle included in the second range of angles, whereinthe indication of the result includes an indication of a positive resultof performing the safety check based on the largest angle included inthe first range of angles being equal to the smallest angle included inthe second range of angles or based on the smallest angle included inthe first range of angles being equal to the largest angle included inthe second range of angles.